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EATING WELL THIS SummerHome & EntertainmentCHRISTMAS DINNER! WHAT TIME IS IT?By Allan WaldonTURKEY TIMEWe love the Christmas Turkey, it’s the centrepiece on the table. It should be fresh, organic and free range. How do you know that what you are buying was grown ethically? There are a few small niche producers and a few large companies doing good things.The best I have seen in my years selling turkeys are Leadoux from Victoria, but there are others – Quast, Lilydale and many more. Fresh, Organic and Free Range are all sought after qualities and will be clearly labelled. Fresh turkeys are the hardest to source, so check the labelling. The big sell in past years was “Self-Basting”. What does that mean? It means that the bird has been injected with fluid, water or cooking oil generally to increase moisture. This also greatly increases the weight. They are then normally snap frozen. To be sure, Google the producer and ring them about their retail outlets; they are normally very proud of their produce and happy to help.HAM TIMESmoked, Double Smoked, Honey Cured, On the Bone, Free Range, Organic.There are a lot of choices. Leg ham on the bone is the best ham. The hype about pork and how it is grown is huge and often very negative. But niche producers are doing great things. Look for brands like Otway, Berkshire, Bangalow Sweet Pork, Yarra Valley – normally these are sold under licence. Others will advertise their retail outlets on their websites. The easiest way is to ring the producer to check. Not all retailers have the same moral standards but there are a lot of wonderful people selling excellent produce.Ask questions, Google, phone producers, check labelling. Christmas is a wonderful family time. Fresh, free range, organic produce always costs more, so check exactly what you are paying a premium for. And above all, enjoy family with good food at Christmas.CERTIFIED ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN, GLUTEN FREE AND VEGANBy Taste OrganicWith the Summer Festive Season knocking on the door, what better way to enjoy the warmth and sun- shine than with family and friends? It’s all about being outdoors and spending time at the beaches and parks, having picnics, taking that special time with loved ones, hosting or attending parties and or preparing for the extended family visits from around the country. Either way, we at ‘Taste Organic – The Good Food Market’, have you covered!We offer one of the largest ranges of Certified Organic, sustainable and clean, gluten freeand vegan health foods with over 6000 lines to support you and your family through the festive season. With 100% Certified Organic fruit and vegetables every day from all around Australia you can be sure to enjoy your yummy summer fruits the way they should be such as Mangoes, Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, Melons and more all clean and chemical free.We also have a huge range of Organic and Artisan cheeses to be complimented with a selection of delicious gluten free crackers and some amazing dips including vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. And don’t forget the range of heavenly Organic Coconut Ice creams and organic frozen berries to supplement those yummy deserts and fresh smoothies for on the go.With Taste Organic being in two locations on the North Shore we can be sure to support you this summer. Come in and visit us at 25 Falcon Street Crows Nest or at 20 PrincesStreet Turramurra and check-out our website for greatinformation on new andexciting products, editorials,supplier stories and more.Merry Christmas from theTaste Organic Team.54 LIVING LOCAL SUMMER 2016/17 “Dream, Inspire, Grow” www.livinglocalguide.com.au